Investigation Summary
The flight was a military charter arriving during heavy rain and shifting winds. The crew elected to land on Runway 10 despite a tailwind component and the presence of thunderstorms. During the approach, the captain's decision to continue a non-stabilized approach, combined with an inoperative left engine thrust reverser and the failure to deploy speedbrakes immediately, led to an excessive landing distance. The aircraft hydroplaned on the ungrooved runway surface, making braking ineffective.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB determined the probable cause was the captain's failure to abort the approach despite the aircraft not being stabilized. Contributing factors included the ungrooved runway surface, the failure of the crew to deploy speedbrakes manually, and the airline's inadequate guidance regarding landing on contaminated runways with mechanical deficiencies.
Video Analysis
The Crash of Miami Air Flight 293 — An analysis of the Boeing 737 overrun into the St. Johns River, focusing on the crew's decision-making and runway conditions.
Watch on YouTube ↗If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
Speedbrakes
The automatic speedbrake system failed to deploy because the 'Speedbrake Armed' light was not illuminated; manual deployment was delayed.
Thrust Reversers
The left engine reverser was inoperative, which increased the required stopping distance on the contaminated runway.
Antiskid System
The system was active but ineffective due to the depth of the standing water and the lack of runway grooves.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was landing with a 15-knot tailwind component.
- 02The runway at NAS Jacksonville was ungrooved, increasing hydroplaning risk.
- 03The No. 1 engine thrust reverser was pinned inoperative (MEL) prior to the flight.
- 04All 143 passengers and crew survived, though several pets in the cargo hold perished.
- 05The aircraft was a total loss due to water damage and structural impact.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Runway Grooving
The U.S. Navy initiated plans to groove the runway at NAS Jacksonville to improve drainage and friction.
SOP Revision
Miami Air updated its flight manuals to provide clearer guidance on landing distance calculations for contaminated runways with MEL items.